Agfa Graphics

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor The front end of the printing process, or what happens "pre" the press, used to be a fairly contained, well-defined set of steps. Then the digital age dawned and, ever since, the changes have kept on coming. Another whole step, premedia, has even been added to the process. At Drupa 2004, computer-to-plate (CTP) production, digital proofing (remote and hardcopy), screening alternatives and, of course, the all-encompassing workflow and CIM concepts were the primary areas of focus in new product development. JDF support was pervasive, but came across more like a background buzz than a force destined to reshape

Window into the Future With the hustle and bustle of last month's Drupa 2004 now completed, this issue highlights some of the new products that became commercially available during the 14-day event, various vendor announcements, as well as a peek into future technologies that will shape the graphics arts industry for years to come. Just as important, the general sentiment among the more than 394,000 visitors and 1,860 exhibitors filling 17 halls was that market conditions—albeit fragile—are showing signs of a sustained recovery. Referred to by many as the "JDF Drupa," it should have been termed the "Workflow Drupa" even though, as Frank Romano

MOONACHIE, NJ, May 13, 2004--Applied Printing Technologies (APT) announced it is embarking on an $8 million capital improvement plan for its Moonachie, NJ and Elmira, NY facilities. The impetus for the investment is to provide customers with the most advanced end-to-end technologies for both web and sheet-fed applications. Technologies acquired include: Komori LS-840-III eight-color, 28x40" sheetfed press--This press is fully loaded with enhancements that include Komori Inline Coating Systems for both UV and aqueous coating applications and sophisticated color management and productivity tools that ensure color consistency throughout the run and deliver faster makeready with less paper waste. Komori Lithrone LS-640-III

You guessed it, I just saw Momma Mia and "Like a Super Drupa" keeps rolling around in my head. For those of you not familiar with the show Momma Mia, which is based on the music of ABBA, it's a must see. Super Trooper, one of ABBA's huge hits 24 years ago, is one of the show's toe-tapping standouts with the catchy "Like a Super Trooper." Being a printer to the core, I just couldn't help putting my own spin to the tune. A Super Drupa it should be and, by the time you read this, many will be on their way to Germany

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor Proofing has been one of the most contentious aspects of the printing process, especially in the digital era. The expectations of print buyers, of course, have been a big contributing factor. Debates have raged within the industry as well, typically with the issue boiling down to whether a given proofing solution is "good enough." Ironically, the question beginning to be asked now is whether a proof is needed at all. The current state of proofing was nicely laid out during two sessions at the recent VUE/Point 2004 conference. One session was set up to focus just on remote

by marie alonso Business Development Consultant The three most prominent features of JDF are its ability to carry a print job from concept through completion, its ability to bridge the communication gap between production and management information services, and its ability to do so under nearly any precondition. JDF, JOB Definition Format, is without question the most significant and viable integration initiative targeting print connectivity today. The road to realizing the benefit from JDF integration has been a long one. There have been many milestones along the way—and Drupa 2004 is the biggest one in the ultimate quest for print connectivity. JDF

Creo Inc. has been honored by Xerox Corp. with the title of Software Partner of the Year. Creo was acknowledged for its Spire color servers designed for various Xerox color presses. The announcement was made at the annual Xerox Business Partner Conference, held in February. Creo also reports a partnership with Sichuan Juguang Printing Apparatus, one of the largest plate manufacturers in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Juguang will manufacture and sell the jointly developed Juguang JPT-1 positive thermal plate. Creo will offer the plates as part of its complete computer-to-plate systems in China. An estimated 75 new jobs will be created at

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor The media road tour leading up to Drupa 04 recently made stops in Brussels, Belgium, and Athens, Greece. Judging by the vendor previews offered so far, people making the trek to Düsseldorf for the international trade fair should expect to see incremental advances, not revolutionary changes, in the products shown. The outlook for the global economy—and printing industry—leading up to this year's event is vastly different from the heady days that preceded Drupa 2000, says Albert Follens, general manager, Graphic Systems, at Agfa-Gevaert N.V. The keys to success are increasing manufacturing efficiency and streamlining how business is transacted between

Exhibitors Promise a Super Drupa DUSSELDORF, GERMANY—As an international group of journalists gathered at the fairgrounds for a preview, the countdown to Drupa 2004 clicked past the 100 days threshold. Scheduled once every four years, the 13th installment of this world market for print media, publishing and converting is slated to run May 6-19, 2004. Playing off the Olympic motto ("faster, higher, farther"), the slogan for Drupa 2004 could be "prettier, faster, more reliable," suggests Albrecht Bolza-Schünemann, president of the event and CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG. "Print products are becoming prettier. Print services will have to be delivered ever faster in

california BURBANK—California Coast Color has added a four-color, 40˝ Mitsubishi Diamond 3000S sheetfed press. It is the second Mitsubishi for the 12,500-square-foot shop with 20 employees. COSTA MESA—Hoover Printing & Lithography is now operating its newly installed, six-color HP Indigo digital press. SAN LUIS OBISPO—Herschel "Hank" Apfelberg, longtime professor of graphic communication at Cal Poly, died January 13 at Stanford University Hospital at the age of 67. Mr. Apfelberg started his career as a linotype operator/compositor. Before coming to Cal Poly, where he taught from 1971 to 2001, he worked as a process engineer and rotogravure administrator for American Can and as printing superintendent